If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for chocolate-hazelnut goodness, this Nutella Cake Recipe is going to become your new obsession. It combines rich, moist chocolate layers with luscious, creamy Nutella buttercream that melts in your mouth. Every slice offers the perfect harmony of chocolate intensity and Nutella’s signature nutty sweetness, making this cake a showstopper for celebrations or any cozy afternoon treat. Trust me, once you make this cake, it’s hard to go back to ordinary chocolate cakes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Nutella Cake Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building that tender crumb texture, deep chocolate flavor, and silky frosting that defines this cake.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy structure that holds the cake together without weighing it down.
- 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For a deep, rich chocolate flavor and a beautiful dark color.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise just right, giving it a light texture.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for perfect leavening and tenderness.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that brightens the cake’s flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with the cake’s tender crumb.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses richness and keeps the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help emulsify the batter.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and soft.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm aroma.
- 1 cup boiling water: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a smooth batter.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature: For making the decadent Nutella buttercream frosting.
- 1 cup Nutella: The star ingredient that infuses the frosting with irresistible hazelnut-chocolate flavor.
- 3 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the buttercream to the perfect consistency.
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream: Used to adjust the frosting texture for smooth spreading.
How to Make Nutella Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cake layers come out cleanly and maintain their perfect shape. Trust me, the effort pays off when you’re stacking and frosting later!
Step 2: Combine Your Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients thoroughly helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the batter, leading to an even rise and uniform crumb in the finished cake.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Once well combined, add the buttermilk, then mix to blend everything smoothly. This wet mixture will balance richness, moisture, and sweetness — setting the base for a tender cake crumb.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. Then, pour in the boiling water and mix until smooth. The boiling water might seem unusual here, but it intensifies the chocolate flavor and makes the batter beautifully smooth.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them into the oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You want to bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Allow the cakes to cool completely in their pans before moving on — patience now means a flawless finish later!
Step 6: Make the Nutella Buttercream
This is where your cake truly shines. Beat the room temperature butter until fluffy. Add in the Nutella and beat until completely combined. Then gradually add powdered sugar, scraping down the sides as needed. If the frosting feels too stiff, thin it out gently with milk or heavy cream — you’re aiming for a smooth, spreadable texture that feels like a dream on the tongue.
Step 7: Assemble and Frost
Once your cake layers are completely cool, level them if needed using a serrated knife. This helps create an even stack. Spread a generous layer of Nutella buttercream between each cake layer, then cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth it out or get creative with a textured look — either way, your cake will look irresistibly inviting.
Step 8: Optional Enhancements
If you want to elevate this Nutella Cake Recipe even further, consider adding a ganache drizzle on top or sprinkling chopped hazelnuts. These little touches add extra shine and crunch, making every bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Nutella Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a dusting of cocoa powder, a scattering of chopped toasted hazelnuts, or a few fresh raspberries can brighten the plate and add a wonderful contrast to the rich, creamy frosting. These accents don’t just look lovely — they add texture and a hint of fresh flavor that enhances the Nutella Cake Recipe experience.
Side Dishes
Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement the dense chocolate layers. A cup of strong coffee or a frothy cappuccino also pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness and making it an ideal afternoon indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into petite squares for a party platter or stacking cupcakes inspired by the cake layers if you’re short on time. You can also pipe decorative swirls of Nutella buttercream on top or swirl in some chocolate ganache for a marbled effect. The options are endless and fun to explore when sharing this Nutella Cake Recipe with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your delicious Nutella Cake Recipe, store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. Proper storage ensures the cake stays moist and the buttercream maintains its creamy texture for up to 4 days. Just let the cake come to room temperature before serving again for the best flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving to revive that fresh-baked magic.
Reheating
Because this cake is best served at room temperature, avoid microwaving it. Instead, take the slice out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before eating. This simple step brings out the full richness of the Nutella buttercream and softens the cake layers beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch-processed?
Yes, you can substitute regular cocoa powder, but it may slightly change the color and flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa has a smoother, less acidic taste and creates a darker, richer chocolate color that’s ideal for this Nutella Cake Recipe.
Is there a gluten-free version of this Nutella Cake Recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help achieve the right texture.
Can I make this cake in advance for a party?
Yes! This cake is perfect for making a day or two ahead. Just assemble and frost it, then store it covered in the fridge. This makes serving on the day of your event a breeze.
Can I substitute the buttermilk in the recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, simply mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute works well to keep the cake tender and moist.
How do I achieve the smoothest frosting with Nutella?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature before beating it, and add the powdered sugar gradually. Incorporate a small amount of milk or cream to get that silky, spreadable consistency, and beat the Nutella well into the butter to avoid lumps.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a cake that combines uncomplicated ingredients with lush, creamy Nutella frosting — and this Nutella Cake Recipe delivers that magic in every bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a treat to lift your spirits, this cake is bound to impress and satisfy. I can’t wait for you to try it and watch it become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Nutella Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Nutella Cake recipe features moist, rich chocolate layers enhanced with smooth Nutella buttercream frosting. Perfect for any celebration, this cake combines the deep flavors of cocoa and Nutella with a tender crumb and luscious, creamy frosting. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an impressive dessert that yields 12 generous slices.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
Nutella Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup Nutella
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure the cakes do not stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until evenly combined for a uniform batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well mixed. Then add the buttermilk and stir to incorporate.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing. Pour in the boiling water and stir carefully until the batter is smooth and slightly thin.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans before frosting.
- Prepare Nutella Buttercream: Beat the room temperature unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the Nutella, mixing well. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, adding 2 to 3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream as needed to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- Assemble the Cake: Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife to ensure they stack evenly. Spread a generous layer of Nutella buttercream between each layer, then cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Optional Decoration: For added flair, top the finished cake with a ganache drizzle or sprinkle chopped hazelnuts over the frosting to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a smoother, less acidic chocolate flavor.
- Ensure the butter for the frosting is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Boiling water helps bloom the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate taste and making the batter smoother.
- Chilling the frosting briefly can make it easier to spread if too soft.
- Store the cake refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
